December 2010 Archives

The last minute rearrangement of the Llandovery in-lamb Texel sale due to the pre-Christmas weather or the ad hoc sale ring didn't seem to deter the buyers from Llandovery on 29 December.

The sale was dominated by the South West with 47 of the 57 entered from the Loosebeare, Peacehay and Rowden flocks. Blood from South Wales, however, had a major influence in the higher priced lots.

Top of the day was a Cennen Magnum daughter from Loosebeare at 720gns. She was in Lamb to Loosebeare Priceless, a Glendside Nosey Parker son. Top from Peacehay was another Magnum daughter at 600gns. Magnum was of course bred by club member Hywel Thomas and was top price in the 2007 NSA sale in Builth. This gimmer was in lamb to the top price ram from this year's NSA the 8200gns Scolton Panther. He was bred by the Reed family, themselves club members.

Mr Watts' Rowden flock topped at 400gns for a Haddo Matador daughter in lamb to Loosebeare Osprey.

There were some nice ewes forward by the local vendor's. Gwyn Davies' Trefere flock sold to 380gns for a Glenside Okey-Dokey daughter in lamb to Trefere Morris II. Keith Evans sold his Scurlage Castle gimmer by Trujim Newsboy and in lamb to Aman Karwyn to Club Chair Trudy Davies for 310gns.

As it's nearing the end of the year I though I'd share the review of this year's trade which will appear in next week's FW.

It's certainly been a year to remember with plenty of money spent in both the pedigree and commercial rings across the UK. I hope you have a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year and look forward to seeing many of you out and about at sales in 2011.

SHEEP
In the autumn's pedigree sales it was the hill breeds which stole the limelight with the top price of the year a £90,000 bid for a Blackface from Iain Hunter's Dalchirla flock which sold at Dalmally in October. This one was by a home-bred son of a £28,000 Midlock and out of a ewe by Dalchirla Kingsmill.

He was knocked down to a consortium of three breeders, namely Alasdair Macarthur, of Nunnerie, Elvanfoot and Allan Wight, of Midlock, Crawford, both Biggar and Mary McCall Smith, of Connachan, Crieff.

Blackface also sold at £65,000 in Lanark when Hugh Blackwood and son, Alan, of Auldhouseburn, Cumnock, notched up their best-ever performance. Their leader, a ram lamb by The Roofer and out of a ewe by McTavish, was split four ways. The Blackwoods kept a half, while the remaining half was shared by John Campbell, of Glenrath, Peebles; Billy Renwick, of the Blackhouse, Yarrow, Selkirk, and Andy Woodburn, of Netherwood, Muirkirk, Ayrshire.

Swaledales were another of the hill breeds enjoying a flying trade on the back of improved Mule prices and sold to a top of £52,000 at Hawes. This was paid for a shearling from Mark Ewbank, Middlemoor, for Intake Bonanza 1. Second best for the breed was £45,000 sale for one from Eric Coates, Butt Rigg Limelight.

In the terminal sire breeds the best prices were enjoyed by the Texels with trade hitting 65,000gns at Lanark. This was paid for Forkins Rocksolid from the Forkins flock of Alistair Gault, County Antrim. Rocksolid is by Tamnamoney Ned and out of a ewe by Clynnog Joe Tex. This one was bought by Trinidad Investments UK.
 
In the commercial sector it was the Mule ewe lambs which enjoyed the pick of the trade, with averages at many sales across the country settling in the mid £90s on the back of the strong lamb and cull ewe trade throughout the year and a general shortage of breeding sheep which resulted.

A few more of the weaned heifer calves have sold reasonably well, with Trigwr Fanny (lot 145) making 1800gns. This is by Hafodlas Vedw and out of Hafodlas Tili, a Hafodlas Llion daughter.

The first calves to be offered by 50,000gns sire Wilodge Cerberus have set the trade alight at the start of the weaned heifer calves here at Carlisle, with the second of the run, Whinfellpark Fairley (lot 128) selling at 5500gns. This one is out of Whinfellpark Cheerleader, a Rafiot daughter. She has a beef value of +35 and went to Nigel Matthews, former owner of the Pyebrook herd.The third heifer in the ring, again by Cerberus then sold at 9000gns. This was Whinfellpark Fanzine out of Whinfellpark Audrey,a Pablo daughter. She has a beef value of +37 and was bought by Christine Williams and Paul Tippetts for the Wilodge herd.Then making 2200gns was Hafodlas Falmai, a Guards Colombus daughter out of Hafodlas Cenin, a Bailea Spunkie daughter.

Taking a 2000gns bid in the weaned bull calves here at Carlisle was Hollythwaite Frank (lot 101), a Saphir son out of Hollythwaite Countess, a Hafodlas Unben daughter. He went to Mr Oliver.

At 1400gns was another from the same home Hollythwaite Fil (lot 102), again by Saphir this one is out of Hollythwaite Cherry, again by Unben.

And then making 1550gns was Hollythwaite Fella, a Maraiscote Cannon son out of Hollythwaite Maria, a Cloughhead Charlie daughter.

Following that at 7800gns was Barrons Fantastic, an Ampertaine Commander son out of Barrons Vixen, a Moero daughter. He sold with a beef value of +30 and went to Derek Hulme, Northern Ireland

And still there has been very little excitment in the trade here at Carlisle, with a pensive ringside seemingly unwilling to spend heavily, although in places the quality hasn't justified much bidding either.

Selling at 2900gns was Melbreak Emerald (lot 84) from James Callion. This is a Saphir daughter out of Ashhollow Sapphire, a Cockleshell Olympus daughter. She sold with a beef value of +26.
 
Making 2300gns was Goldies Emblem (lot 88) she is by Ampertaine Bravo and out of Goldies Barbara, a Goldies Uppercrust daughter. She went to Messrs Annett with a beef value of +34.

And baffling the ringside was the next lot Glangwden Emma from the Jermans when it went unsold at 7500gns. This is by Ullswater and out of Glangwden Ugina, a Lodge Natterbox daughter. She had been bid to that level by Raymond Savage.

Following that was Melbreak Echo from James Callion. This is by Rossignol, the noted show calf producer, and out of Sarkley Tarriane, a Sarkley Prentice daughter. She went at 4500gns to Messrs Bonsall.

Next came a 3800gns bid for Nebo Emma, a Milbrook Tanko daughter out of Winnington Omiss, a Guards Jackpot daughter, she traded with a beef value of +29 to Messrs Annett.

One of a pair of black heifers on offer from the Fotheringham family's Westhall herd has just sold at 2900gns.

This was Westhall Black Emma (lot 68), a Tamarvalley Boscastle daughter out of Cornsay Annie Smith, a Papin daughter. She had earlier been second in her class.

The other black heifer from the same home made 2200gns. This was Westhall Black Ellamy, another by the same sire and out of Westhall Valley, a Hewsons Golddust daughter.

Following that at 3500gns was Newshot Easypeasy from Drew Hyslop, a Wilodge Tonka daughter out of Mynach Boreole, a Mynach Utah daughter. She went to Raymond Savage.

Trade is still a little slow here at Carlisle, with few breaking the 3000gns barrier. Selling at 2700gns was Homebyres Euonymus, a Threaphurst Butch daughter out of Homebyres Urena, a Balnacraig Supreme daughter with a beef value of +33.

At 2500gns was Saulbrae Evita from Stuart Neale. This is by Ashmore Vent and out of Raychris Treasure, a Raychris Noble daughter. Then at 2400gns was Fflur Enfys (lot 51), she is by Objat and out of Fflur Buddug, a Grahams Unbeatable daughter and sold to George Green, Northern Ireland.

The day's champion from the pre-sale show, Whinfellpark Ena, a Goldies Terence daughter out of Ryedale Limelight, a Rachels Hamlet has gone at 14,000gns. This one has a beef value of +52 and is in calf to Cerberus due in late June next year. Having caught a maiden bid of 10,000gns from Paul Gentry the eventual buyers were Harry Emslie and Lynwen Evans for the Emslies herd, Aberdeenshire.

A few lots later Dinmore Elvira (lot 43) then sold at 4000gns. This one is by Wilodge Tonka and out of Dinmore Bereka, a Saunders Stallone daughter, she went to Northern Ireland.

Glangwden Eureka, an Ullswater daughter from the Jermans has just sold at 5500gns. This one is out of Glangwden Ufleur, a Paul daughter and has a beef value of +35. She sold to Messrs Annett, Northumberland.

A few lots later at 2600gns was Ringway Eugenia (lot 34), an Ulm daughter out of Ringway Bonbon, a Cloughhead Rocket daughter, she went with a beef value of +33.

Trade here at Carlisle has been steady away so far, with David Stobart selling Cracrop Daisies, a Cowin Anton daughter at 2200gns. This one (lot 12) is out of Cracrop Begonia, a Tomschoice Salem daughter.

Following that at 3900gns was Newhouse Dishy (lot 17), a Hudscales Bigboy daughter out of Newhouse Beach, a Grahams Trooper daughter. She went with a beef value of +34.

Selling at 2200gns was Glenturk Eve, a Spittalton Baron daughter. This one (lot 25) is out of Glenturk Betty, a Grahams Rocksolid daughter and has a beef value of +30. She went to Mr Francis.

Selling is underway here in Carlisle for the Red Ladies Derby and the best call of the day so far is a 6500gns bid for the second in the ring and the day's reserve overall champion, Lourie Dazzle from Robert Aitken.

This is an Ionesco daughter out of Lourie Vessa, a Roncik Hawk daughter and sold in calf to Glenrock Ventura and due in February. She looked well bought at the price and went to Messrs Lee and Lloyd, Carmarthenshire.

Winning the bull calf class in the weaned calves here at Carlisle this morning was Barrons Fantastic (lot 107), this is by Ampertaine Commander and out of Barrons Vixen. Second was Hollythwaite Frank (lot 101) and third was Coredale Figaro (lot 121).

In the weaned heifers the winner was Whinfellpark Fairley (lot 128), this is by Wilodge Cerberus and out of Whinfellpark Cheerleader, second was Whinfellpark Fanzine (lot129).

Championship honours here at the red Ladies Derby have gone to Whinfellpark Ena, a Goldies Terence daughter out of Ryedale Limelight, a Rachels Hamlet daughter. She is in-calf to Wilodge Cerberus and comes with a beef value of +52.

Reserve overall was Lourie Dazzle (lot 5), this is by Ionesco and out of Lourie Vessa, a Ronick Hawk daughter, she is in calf to Glenrock Ventura, due in February.

Juding is progressing well here in Carlisle, with another bank of classes judged.

Winning class five was Whinfellpark Ena (lot 40), this is by Goldies Terence and out of Ryedale Limelight. Second here was Whinfellpark Louise (lot 37) and third was Dinmore Elvira (lot 43).

In the sixth class honours went to Saulbrae Evita (lot 47), this is by Ashmore Vent and out of Raychris Treasure, second was Homebyres Euonymus (lot48), with Fflur Enfys (lot 51) in third.

Taking the seventh class was Hillviewfarm Easter (lot 62), a Ronick Argos daughter out of Ronick Tweenie. Then in second was Fedneyhouse Elegance (lot 56).

And in class eight the winner was Newshot Easypasy (lot 72), this is by Wilodge Tonka and out of Mynach Boreole. Second was Westhall Black Emma (lot 68) and third was Westhall Black Ellamay (lot 67).

Taking class nine was Goldies Elation (lot 81), she is by Ampertaine Bravo and out of Goldies Betty. Second to this was Hudscales Eartha (lot 80) and third was Melbreak Emerald (lot 84).

Here are the first few class results from Carlisle, in the first class the sole entry and winner was Redland Beatrice (lot 3) from Mark and Helen Lewis, she is by Goldies Terry.

Winning the second class was Lourie Dazzle (lot 5) from Robert Aitken, she is an Ionesco daughter out of Lourie Vanessa. Second was Garyvaughan Daffodil (lot 8) and third was Littlewood Diana (lot 7).

In the third class the red ticket went to Ringway Diana (lot 15), an Ulm daughter out of Ringway Acacia from Peter Henshall. Then in second was Cracrop Daisies (lot 12) and in third was Ringway Diamante (lot 16).

The fourth class was won by Whinfellpark Edna (lot 33), this is by Rafiot and out of Middledale Shirley, second here was Glenturk Eve (lot 25) and third was Millstone Ebony (lot 35).

More to follow in due course.......

Things are pretty much ready to go here at Carlisle for Red Ladies Day, with judging due to start any time soon and selling to follow at 1130. Stay tuned for all the latest news as it happens, judging results to follow in due course.

A good crowd of buyers attended the sale of the entire July to January calving portion of Raymond and David Jones' Radnor herd based at New Radnor, Presteigne, Powys, where a level trade saw a peak of 2700gns twice.

First to make this price was VG86 calved heifer Radnor Shottle Margot. The Picston Shottle daughter was off a 12,503kg Crichil Principal cow. The buyers were W R and M Thomas and Son, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, for their Gwynnog herd.

Also travelling down the M4 onto the Gower Peninsula was the other 2700gns sale, third calver Radnor Duplex Kapeno. The unclassified Mesland Duplex daughter was out of eight generations of cows in the top two grades. Acquiring her for the Clfftop herd was W J B Tucker of Swansea, West Glamorgan.

Another Duplex daughter, heifer Radnor Duplex Tilly off a 10,364kg VG88 Comestar Stormatic sold for 2220gns to F W and R J Simcock, Ledbury, Herefordshire.

Andrew Alford of Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, bid 2120gns for VG85 heifer Radnor Outsider Pepper. The Wyevalley Outsider daughter was off a 11,796kg Grangeley cow, and was giving 39kgs daily when sold.  

L A Jones of St Clears, Carmarthenshire, purchased the second calver Radnor Bradley Julie for 2100gns.  The Rockalli Bradley daughter was out of a 9,606kg Formation cow.  

Averages; 67 head £1498.99 (Gwilym Richards with Wright Manley).

Four cattle broke the 3000gns barrier at the dispersal of the Maesyrafon Herd of Pedigree Holsteins on behalf of John and Margaret Evans, Little Newcastle, Haverfordwest, with three of them being members of the noted Agility family.

Commanding the top price of 3400 gns was the second calf Maesyrafon Agility 375, a daughter of Roylane Jordan out of an EX92 dam by Browndale Stardust. She was purchased by Christine Parks for her Gaer herd at Eglwyswrw.

Two other closely related members of this outstanding family made 3100gns each; the first was Agility 343, a daughter of Comestar Lee out of Agility 167 an 18 year old 100t cow who is still going strong on the farm. She was purchased by L Davies and Son, Pencader, Carmarthenshire.

The second from this family to make this price was Agility 307, another daughter of Lee and out of an EX90 sister to the previously mentioned Agility 343. She remains in the family being purchased by John and Margaret's grandson Jack Llewellin of Clarbeston Road, Pembrokeshire.

Members of the family continued to make their presence felt by purchasing the only other animal to break the 3000gns mark; John and Margaret's two daughters Nia Llewellin and Elaine Phillips joined forces to purchase Maesyrafon Formation Donni, a third calved cow bred from nine generations of cows classified in the top two grades, for 3200 gns.

Christine Parks was in the market again claiming Maesyrafon Stormatic Anna for 2900gns She is the seventh generation of cows classified Ex/VG and traces her origin to Hanoverhill Holsteins in Canada.

Maesyrafon Welcome 97 a third calf daughter Dupasquier Wrangler sold for 2600gns to W D and M M Thomas and Son, Llanpumpsaint, Carmarthen, and at just 100gns less Maesyrafon Ilex 380 sold for 2500gns. At the same price Richard Thomas, Croesyceiliog, Carmarthen purchased the Astre Starbuck third calver, Maesyrafon Ilex 386.

Averages;107 cows and milking heifers (including 20 baby heifer calves at £500.85) £1514.11, 31 served heifers £1519.79, 1 bull £1680.00 (Wright Manley).

Picston Shottle daughters dominated the trade at last Thursday's dispersal of the Whitsbury herd of Holsteins.

However, it was a Comestar Leader daughter which sold for the day's top of 2500gns.  This was Whitsbury Outside Tangle a fresh calved third calver giving almost 60kg a day. She sold to join Ollie Rose's Stourvale herd.

Messrs D M and G Davies made the long journey from Llanydydder in Carmarthenshire to purchase 15 cattle including several of the best milking stock. These included a three months calved Shottle heifer giving 36kg daily at 2250gns, Wansdyke Delegate Rita VG-85 giving 52kg daily at 2200gns and a very milky 'Shottle Contrary' at 2150 gns.

Served heifers, due from January onwards, were a level trade, peaking at 1320 gns for an Outside daughter, bulling heifers averaged more than £850, selling up to 1000gns and calves and yearlings had good support with the best making over 500gns.

Averages; 145 cows and calved heifers £1411.70, 17 served heifers £1159.94, 27  bulling heifers £861.78, 27 yearling heifers £721.00 ( Nortona dn Brooksbank with Greenslade Taylor Hunt).

Picston Shottle daughters dominated the trade at last Thursday's dispersal of the Whitsbury herd of Holsteins.

However, it was a Comestar Leader daughter which sold for the day's top of 2500gns.  This was Whitsbury Outside Tangle a fresh calved third calver giving almost 60kg a day. She sold to join Ollie Rose's Stourvale herd.

Messrs D M and G Davies made the long journey from Llanydydder in Carmarthenshire to purchase 15 cattle including several of the best milking stock. These included a three months calved Shottle heifer giving 36kg daily at 2250gns, Wansdyke Delegate Rita VG-85 giving 52kg daily at 2200gns and a very milky 'Shottle Contrary' at 2150 gns.

Served heifers, due from January onwards, were a level trade, peaking at 1320 gns for an Outside daughter, bulling heifers averaged more than £850, selling up to 1000gns and calves and yearlings had good support with the best making over 500gns.

Averages; 145 cows and calved heifers £1411.70, 17 served heifers £1159.94, 27  bulling heifers £861.78, 27 yearling heifers £721.00 ( Nortona dn Brooksbank with Greenslade Taylor Hunt).

Prices at Wednesday's Border and Lakeland Holstein Club sale at Carlisle hit a high of 2000gns when Skirwith Hall Farms sold their second prize heifer by Dalebank Zen Roger out of the Anne family to J Harrison, Kings Meaburn.

Second best was a 1900gns call from one from Brian Yates. This was a fresh heifer from the Dorothy family by Penn-Gate Finest. She went to Messrs Sowerby Appleby. And at 1880gns was one from Messrs Bell, Bowscar, which sold to J Harrison, Kings Meaburn.

 At 1800gns was the day's pre-sale champion from Messrs Cannon. This Cidarwal Spirte daughter is out of a Modesto daughter and was bought by Messrs Sowerby.

Averages; three cows £1610, 21 heifers £1615 (Harrison and Hetherington).

Monday's sale of in-lamb Texel and Charollais ewes at Stirling saw trade hit a high of 4000gns for a Texel from Messrs Scott's Drumpark flock.

This one is by Kelso Oxygen and sold to A and J Alston, Menmuir, Brechin. Second top price of 3000gns went to Jimmy Douglas, Cairness, for his second prize gimmer by Kelso OJ.   This sheep was bought by Alistair Beaton, Wester Crosshill, Slamannan.

Two gimmers sold at 1500gns, one being the first prize sheep from James Innes and Sons, Dunscroft, to ,S Crowe, Hawkhill, Keiss, Wick for a sheep by Millar's Outstanding. The second was from Kerr Jarvie, Cherryfield, and was by Hull House Nijinsky. This gimmer was also bought by Ms Crowe,  Wick.

Charollais sold to a top of 500gns from R and M Paterson, Upper Auchenlay, to Mr C Sutherland, Kirkhill, Muckhart.   

Averages; 102 Texels £487.03, 12 Charollais £262.50 (United Auctions).

Having only received the catalogue for Friday's Red Ladies Derby this morning I've not had much of a chance to look through it, however, here are my thoughts after an initial look. As always there are bound to be some entries you feel I've missed, so feel free to make comment on them as you see fit, I'll now head for cover.......

First pick for me is Penmynydd Cara (lot 4) this is a Cannon daughter out of Woodhouse Vixen, a Goldies Oswald daughter, so combines some interesting lines, including Cannon, Lascard and Jockey.

After that I've marked Garyvaughan Daffodil (lot8), a Nouvelle Prospect daughter out of Ashledge Bluebell, an Ashledge Smirnoff daughter. She was shown at this year's Royal Welsh where she stood third.

Moving on from there I'll be intrigued to see Fedneyhouse Ebony (lot 28), she's a Haltcliffe Underwriter daughter out of French dam Napolie and carries a beef value of +27.

Then it's on to Melbreak Elegance (lot 55), this is by Ronick Luke and out of Lyvennet Princess, a Ronick Gains daughter. She sells with a beef value of +30. Interestingly, not only does she have a double dose of Cannon, but thanks to that and a dose of Gains, she has three lines to Broadmeadows Ainsi.

Keadyview Eileen (lot 63) is next in line for me, this is by Ampertaine Abracadabra and out of Carmorn Babe, a Sarkley Vimto daughter. She was junior female champion and reserve junior champion at Balmoral this year and also stood as one half of the junior interbreed pairs winners at the show with Derriaghy Enfield.

After that its Dinmore Eyecandy that's got a mark from me (lot 66) she's by Vantastic out of Newstart Uptowngirl, a Ronick Iceman daughter and has a beef value of +35.

And anyone looking for high figured females should look no further than Hudscales Eliza (lot 77) she comes with a beef value of +41 and is by 55,000gns sire Queenshead Altea and out of Hudscales Candy, an Aghadolgan Vagus daughter.

Carrying the same beef value of Goldies Elation (lot 81) sired by Ampertaine Bravo, this one is out of Goldies Betty, a Goldies Terrence daughter.

And that's about it for my picks in the main sale. I've not had a chance to study the weaned calves carefully, but I'll be interested to see the first heifers offered by Wilodge Cerberus from Whinfell Park which are catalogued as the first lots in the weaned heifers.

So, its over to you, let me know what you think I've missed... And for anyone wondering if the forecasted weather is going to see the sale cancelled I've just received confirmation from Carlisle that it will definitely be going ahead, indeed the exact words were "there's no chance of a cancellation!"

Selling for £20,000 and what is believed to be a record price for a half share purchase in a yearling Aberdeen-Angus bull is Luddenmore Eclipse J067 from Limerick, Eire-based Dr Michael and Martin Sheahan.

The bull, which was sold at just 10 months old, is by the noted performance sire and Idvies stock bull Rawburn Rommel E423, is out of Netherallan Elba F057, who secured the top price at the Netherallan dispersal in 2007 selling for 8000gns at 10 months old. She is an ET daughter out of the US performance sire Vermillion Payweight out of the renowned Youngdale Elba family.

New half share owners are James and Bill Porter of the Old Glenort herd, Lisburn, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland. Speaking of his purchase James said: "The power and performance that Eclipse has, makes this bull very special indeed. With an actual recorded weight of 465kg at 202 days and 652kg at 300 days, he is a young bull that combines muscle, power and structural correctness with amazing bone, he will no doubt make a great impact on both herds."

Eclipse has already caught the eye of many breeders in the Republic and North of Ireland and he was given the title of Club calf champion this year.

 

Last Saturday's sale of Beltex females on behalf of Beltex Scotland at Lanark saw trade peak at 2000gns for a shearling ewes from Neale and Janet McQuiston's Airyolland flock.

Their sale topper, Airyolland Nadia, is an Airyolland Kingsize daughter out of Airyolland Jenna, a Coningswick Gadfly daughter. She sold in-lamb to 18,000gns sire Dooley Napal and was bought by Robert Wallace, Ballantrae.Following that at 1800gns was a ewe lamb from Richard Wood. This was Kingledores Peggy, an ET bred daughter of Viagrow out of Artnagullion Kyle, a Ulysses-sired dam. She was bought by M R Cropper, Hudhey.Then making 1600gns was the best of the older ewes on offer from the McQuistons. This was Airyolland Joules, a 2005-born Dirk daughter out of Belgian dam Claudia. She was sold in lamb to Dooley Napal and went to Mr Cropper again.Following that at 1500gns was another of the shearlings, this time an Airyolland King of Clubs daughter, Tercrosset Nikki from Thomas and James Whiteford. She is out of Brickrow Kissy, a Cookstown Hamish daughter and sold carrying lambs to Airyolland Nailer and went to W Linton.Then making 1400gns was ewe lamb Airyolland Pretty Peg from the McQuistons. She is an Airyollan Navajo daughter out of Airyolland Kirton Jean, an Airyolland Jackhigh daughter. She was bought by Robert Wallace.

Averages; 11 ewes £518.32, 49 shearling ewes £539.57 (Lawrie and Symington).

Saturday's Select Seven in-lamb Texel sale at Lanark saw a pair of 5000gns bids lead the trade, with both calls at this level made by Graham Morrison buying for his Deveronvale flock, Aberdeenshire.

First to join Mr Morrison's load home was an ET bred shearling ewe from the Garngour flock of Jim and Helen Clark. This one, DCX096650, is a Kiltarriff Osprey daughter out of a dam by Clynnog Joe Tex and sold in-lamb to Mitchelhill Poker Face and with an index of 269.Second to make this price was the first of the sale from Gordon Gray's Ettrick flock. This was GGH09207, a Langside Nero daughter out of a dam by Springwell Kermit, she was sold in lamb to Knock Reebok and has an index of 169.Then at 4500gns was one from Ian Gilmour's Humestone flock. This was  GIH09017, a ewe by Baltier Nailer and out of a dam by Haddo Jordan. She was in-lamb to Kelso Personality and had been reserve champion at Dalrymple. Buying this one was N Douglas, Yarrow.Following at 3200gns was the best of the day from Robert Laird. Sired by Straidarran Obama, this ewe, LTC093541, is out of a dam by Cambwell Laird and in-lamb to Cowal Powerhouse. She sold to Tom Bagan, Stewarton, with an index of 233.

Making 3000gns was another from the same home, LTC093629. She is sired by Cambwell Laird and out of a Tinwald A-One bred dam. Carrying lambs to Cowal Powerhouse, she was bought by John Mellin for the Hull House flock.

At 2600gns was an entry from Northern Irish breeder Henry Gamble. This one from the Springwell flock is sired by Milestonehill O'Gara and is out of a dam by Larahirl Madmax and was in-lamb to Derryvore Ranger having been champion Texel at Castlewellan Show as a lamb. She went to Robert Cockburn for the Connachan flock.

Next best call of 2400gns was secured by the first in the ring, a Baltier Nailer daughter from the Humestone entry. This one, GIH09061, is out of a dam by  Milnbank Lyon King and sold in-lamb to Kelso Personality. She was bought by J Cullen, Carluke.
 
Making 2200gns was another from Gordon Gray , GGH09129, she is by Ettrick My Jinks and out of a dam by  Haddo Knoxie. Sold in-lamb to Mitchelhill Paparazzi, she was bought by P McNickle, Peebles.

Averages; Humeston 7 shearling ewes £1618.75, Springwell 10 shearling ewes £920,                     Craighead 7 shearling ewes £616.50, Garngour 15 shearling ewes £1227.10, Grougfoot 10 shearling ewes £402.50, Watchknowe 9 shearling ewes £444.94, Cambwell 19 shearling ewes £1170.47,     Ettrick 15 shearling ewes £1045.10 (Lawrie and Symington).

Here is a brief run down of the trade from yesterday's Select Seven Texel sale and the Beltex female sale at Lanark, more details will follow later today.

In the Select Seven sale trade was led by a pair of 5000gns bids, both made by Graham Morrison. He paid this money for lots 35 and 113.

Then at 4500gns was lot three which sold to N Douglas, Yarrow. Following at 3200gns was lot 94 which sold to Tom Bagan, Stewarton and making 3000gns was lot 95 when selling to John Mellin, Hull House.

At 2600gns was lot 16 which sold to Robert Cockburn, Connachan, with lot 1 selling at 2400gns to J Cullen, Carluke. Making 2200gns was lot 114 which sold to P McNickle, Peebles and at 2000gns was lot 24 selling to Kier Jarvie. Making the same money was lot 37 when bought by A McCrae, Huntly, again at the same price was 2000gns was lot 41 selling to J Winter and then also at that price was lot 99 when bought by J and A Struthers.

In the Beltex the top call in the older ewes was a 1600gns bid for lot 5 which was taken by M R Cropper, Huntly. Top in the shearlings was a 2000gns for lot 48 which went to Robert Wallace, Ballantrae, at 1500gns was lot 18 which was sold to W Linton.

Top in the ewe lambs was lot 117 at 1800gns which went to M R Cropper and at 1400gns was lot 97 which went to Robert Wallace.

More details in due course.........

Dominating the top prices at the recent Solway and Tyne Texel club sale at Carlisle was Lancashire-based Procters Farms. who secured the majority of the top bids. 

Their sale leader at 1200gns was a shearling ewe by Haddo macbeth out of a Douganhill Masterpiece dam AI'd to Castlecairn Prince. She sold to W N Douglas, Yarrow.

Their next best was one at 1100gns, a Kerryhill Oliver daugher out of a Cambwell I Catcher AI'd to Prince again. this one sold to I P Jones, Anglesey, while their next in the ring by the samme sire sold at 1050gns to c Bellis, Flintshire.

Taking the top call of 700gns at the recent Zwartbles sale in Carlisle was Matthew Simpson, who sold a January 2009-born shearling from his Tardoes flock in lamb to Llepan Rowlands. Buyer here was K I and J Brunskill, Kirkby Stephen.

Two bids at 600gns then followed, the first of which secured another from the same flock, this time for a Stewarton-bred shearling scanned to have triplets by Llepan rowlands again. buyer here was T R Birkbeck, Kirkby Stephen.

The other at that money was an older ewe from Matthew Simpson again, this time for a 2007-born ewe bred in Carol Calder's Heaton flock. This one was scanned carrying triplets by Tardoes Shaun and sold to M Haigh, Wigtown.

The best from the baillie and Jackson partnership was a shearling ewe whihc sold for 500gns to G Thornborrow, Peebles.
 

Leading with a call of 510gns at Saturday's in-lamb offering of Continental females at Carlisle, was Jan Rodenburg, Ceredigion, who sold one of his Dutch Texel females from his Turbo flock. His sale leader was by Den Burg King out of a daughter by Den Burg Texel. She sold to M Davis, Lancashire, having scanned to be carrying twins by Turbo Romeo.

His next best was one by Turbo mr Marmite out of a Turbo Lord daughter. Again scanned in lamb carrying a single to Turbo Romeo, she sold to J Lee and Sons, Hexham.

The best of James and Thomas Whiteford's run of beltex/Texel/Dutch texel shearling gimmers was a call of 500gns twice from H Thompsomn and sons, Barnard Castle, while Andrew Bulmer, Malton, north Yorks also paid 500gns for another.

Of the five Blue Texels on offer from Mr and Mrs J lyle, Fife, trade topped at 460gns for February 2008-born female in lamb to Miserden Oscar, she sold to Messrs Cormack McDowell and Partners, Dumfriesshire.  

Saturday's sale of Beltex females saw a top of 4000gns for Lugate Natasha, this year's female and reserve breed champion from the Highland Show. Bred by Stuart McCormack, she is by Brickrow Loo and out of the Ian's Highflyer daughter Lugate jane. She sold having been served to the 3500gns Glantra Norris to Paul Tippetts and Christine Williams, Shropshire for the Hackney flock. Next at 2200gns was one from the Buckle family. Buckles Norah Jones, by Newton Leo out of the Airyolland hercules daughter Buckles Jester, is maternal sister to the Great yorkshire Show champion Buckles Masterpiece. She was knocked down to R and J Mullholland, Cumbria. Next at 1600gns was one from G Shanks, Inveresk Never Been kissed. By Arntagullion Layabout, this one is out of the ulysses daughter Artnagullion Kitty and sold having ran with Harlenbois ironman to E McAllister, Ballymena, Co Antrim.

Pictures will follow shortly...... 

Leading the way at yesterday's Christmas Cracker Texel sale in Carlisle was Aberdeenshire-based Albert Howie's Knock flock. His sale leader wouldn't have been a suprise to many as it was a February 2009-born daughter of Tophill Knockout out of a daughter by Anglezarke Krug. Described as the best female ever to be offered for sale from Mr Howie, she is full sister to the 8000gns Knock Powerpacker and is maternal sister to the 20,000gns Knock Oregano, as well as Orion, Ronick, Nugget and Reebok.

Her purchasers were Trinidad Investements, West Susses.

Mr Howie was soon in the money again with his next lot in the ring from the same family as the above. she sold for 10,000gns to Procters Farm, Lancashire.

The best from Tommy MacTaggart was the March 2009-born daughter of Rascarrel Och Aye out of a Templand Magane daughter. She sold at 8500gns to A Beaton, Falkirk.

Another from the knock flock, and again by Nockout and this time out of a Claybury Legacy daughter, sold for 7000gns to Procters Farm. This one is full sister to the 3800gns Knock Pegasus. and at 5500gns, R I Henderson, Northumberland took a Gangour Nobleman shearling out of a Haddo Just Right daughter.

The best from John Forsyth's flock was a call of 4600gns to secure a daughter of Muresk Nearco out of a Castlecairn Keltic Star daughter. she sold having been AI'd to Strathbogie Python to R Wallace, Ayrshire.

Averages; Midlock flock 13 gimmers £718.85,  Glenside flock 16 gimmers £1,110.38,  Deveronvale flock 6 gimmers £1,198.75,  Rascarrel flock 11 gimmers £2,128.64,  Knock flock 16 gimmers £4,321.41,  Tophill flock 4 gimmers £840.00,  Cairness flock 12 gimmers £1,045.63.

 

 

A heifer from W A Ketley & Sons of Fingringhoe received overall show champion at this week's Colchester prime stock show and sale held by Stanfords Auctions.

 

After strong competition, this one was secured by Allman Fowler, Fowler Bros Burnham on Crouch at 305pkg (£1714.10). 

 

Reserve overall champion was awarded to Matt Barker of Diss and sold to Kevin Burrows on behalf of C & K Meats, Diss at 225pkg (£1343.25).

 

The best heavy steer in the show went to an entry from R Thornton of Wortham and was again purchased by C &K Meats at 225pkg (£1262.25). 

 

The best light weight butchers beast went to W A Ketley & Sons and was purchased by J H Lambert, Bungay at 245pkg (£1323.00).  Best lightweight steer was also awarded to the same vendor and sold to Chas Bower Butchers of Holland on Sea at 260pkg (£1261).

 

For the first time the show held a class for over thirty month cattle with the championship awarded to W A Ketley & Sons and purchased by Fowler Bros Burnham on Crouch at 160pkg (£1073.60).  Generally all show cattle produced a strong trade with most making more than 190pkg.

 

Among the sheep, with a shorter than expected entry of 60, the overall  championship went to a pair of Texel lambs consigned by  Mrs Sylvia Rawlings of Wissington, Nayland, and purchased by George Debman, Ipswich for his own shop at £200 the head or 454pkg  - a market record for Colchester. 

 

The Judge awarded best light weight lambs to Badley Green Farm, Stowmarket which were again sold to George Debman of Ipswich at £79 the head (£2.00kg). 

 

There were several pens of strong lambs of £80 to £96 a head, but generally trade was around the £70 to £80 for medium weight lambs. 

 

 

122 Cattle:

All steers 175.24, all heifers 182.88, all bulls 141.54, all cattle 174.63.

149 Ewes:

Average £46.37 with Continental to £72, Mules to £66 from £30, ewe breeds £50 from £30.  2 Rams to £51.70 Store Lambs to £62 for Texel to average £55.88.  4 Mature Sheep to £68 a head average £129.63. (Stanfords)

 

A Belgian Blue steer from J L White, Manor Farm, Eastrington, secured the cattle championship at this week's Hull Christmas Fatstock show and sale at The Cattle Market, Dunswell.

 

Weighing in at 650kg he was purchased for 270p a kg by S Voase, Alan Jones Butchers, Preston.

 

At 220p a kg was reserve champion, a Belgian Blue x steer shown by T and B Boothroyd and Son, Crown Farm, Welwick. This one weighed 625kg and again went to Alan Jones Butchers.

 

Among the pigs, the Hodgson family won best pen of pigs with their five bacon pigs. They were later purchased by Ted Dillon, Butcher of Hessle Road, Hull for 120p a kg. Reserve champion pen of pigs went to Bishop Burton College. Their beasts went to Traves and Son, Escrick for 110p a kg.

 

A pen of sheep from P Farmery, Gilberdyke were crowned champion. These sold to judge, D and J Coulston for £130 a head. Bishop Burton College received reserve champion of sheep.

 

 

 

 

Bentham Mart's calf record was smashed last week when a British Blue cross heifer calf from Stephen and Pam Parker sold at £580. This one had been champion in the Mart's Christmas show and sold to Chris Hewitt.

Bulls in the sale topped at £362 for a British Blue from Colin Wilson, with this selling to Nigel Garth. Reserve champion in the show, meanwhile, was a Limousin-sired bull which made £320 when selling for Alan and June Wilson. John Cockett bought this one.

Topping Bentham Mart's Christmas dairy sale was a second calved cow Kendalcragg Samuelo Ada from Peter and David Knowles at £2500. This one, which gave 7678 litres as a heifer sold to Tony Hunter, Berrier.

At £2450 was the champion from the day's show, an unregistered second calver from George Whitwell. This one by Ingleview Beckam was 21 days calved and sold to Tom Pollock.

Best of the fresh calved heifers was a £2400 sale for an unregistered entry from Nigel Barker. This one, giving 31kg a day, sold to W and S E Dickinson, Greystoke.

Then making £2300 was Ingleview Bam Bam Peach from the Butterfield family. This one is out of a Regancrest Samuelo daughter and sold to Messrs Wannop.

Averages; fresh calved cows £1675, fresh calved heifers £1679.38, in-calf heifers £1305 (Bentham and District Farmers Mart).

A joint top call of 900gns was the highlight of Saturday's trade at Skipton's in-lamb Texel sale. First to make this price was the show champion from Mark and Helen Keighley. This one is by Claybury Osprey and was sold in-lamb to Moor Top Pharoah and sold to Edward Fawcett, Sand Hutton.

The other to make this money was the reserve champion, this time from Stuart Currie's Beautry flock. This one was by Millar's Omen and sold carrying lambs to Beautry Panama. She went home with Andrew and William Warren, Cleckheaton.

Selling for 800gns was a daughter of Meinspride Noble from Angela Nairey. This one, in-lamb to Meinspride Oasis, sold to David Towell.

Top call in the older ewes on offer was a 250gns bid for a 2007-born Castlecairn Kennedy daughter from Jennifer Lodge. This one sold in lamb to Kelso Pure Perfection. She was bought by C Harrison, Blubberhouses. Mr Harisson then paid the same money for a Clougher Krispoe daughter from Jill Perrings, this was in-lamb to Ballynahone Nutcracker.

Averages; shearling ewes £284, ewes £228 (Craven Cattle Marts).

Last Saturday's Christmas Cracker dairy sale saw a strong trade for the best with the champion selling for 2120gns. This was for the Bettiscombe Linekar Dagmar heifer entered along with 13 others from R E and H E Bugler.

Ian Dimond's Dorset herd continued to attract a lot of interest with the calved heifer Dorset Faze Beauty selling for 2050gns and Dorset Summer Eclipse with 4 generations of VG and EX behind her selling for 2000gns.

Despite dispersing the Huntlodge Herd back in 2007 Lionel and Gary Bagg are still finding Huntlodge calved heifers this time Huntlodge Talent Rosina out of 100t  VG88 cow and the 18 brood star second dam Huntlodge Rosina Bell PI EX91 she realised 2000gns. 

A large entry of Jerseys from both S E Lane and Partners of Kent and Stephen and Ruth Thomas of Cornwall saw the best trade of the year with Hareplain Sambo Robbie a VG86 fifth calver selling  to 1660gns for the Lane family
 
Averages; 20 Holstein cows £1517, 29 Holstein heifers £1600, one Holstein in-calf heifer £1491, 11 Holstein heifer calves £405, 28 Jersey cows £802 (Greenslade Taylor Hunt).

The champion cow at Skipton Auction Mart's Christmas prime stock show of cast cows and ewes was presented by Stephen Hollings, of Spinks Hill Farm, Peckett Well, Hebden Bridge.

 

His Limousin-cross was purchased for £796 (109p/kg) by show judge Neil Laidlaw, of Dawn Foods, Carnaby, Bridlington.

 

The first prize dairy cast cow and reserve champion was a Holstein Friesian from John Whittaker, Far Laithe Farm, Colne, which headed the show prices at £1005 (102p/kg) when acquired by Kepak, Wakefield. Cull cows averaged 88.25p/kg.

 

Bobby Booth, Rossendale, adjudicated in the cull ewes show, awarding the championship to the first prize pen of Continental-cross Texels from John Carlisle, Cracoe. They topped the class prices at £100 a head when sold to Ali Shan, Yorkshire Halal Meat Supplies, for their supermarket in Alice Street, Keighley.

 

Phillip Sedgwick,  Tarn House Farm, Whitley Head, Steeton, presented the first prize and reserve champion pen of Mules, which also sold to Yorkshire Halal Meat Supplies at £82.50 each.

 

Spiros Spyrou, Hebden Bridge, exhibited the top price in show Texels at £128.50 a head by the show judge. The overall selling average was £63.01 per head.

Sub zero temperatures and icy roads did not deter regular vendors turning out for the Christmas Dairy Show at Gisburn.  Cows were in short supply but a strong class of heifers were soon sorted by Judge Hague Speak and the honours went to Simon Thompson, Ribchester.  His Champion heifer sold to David Coulthurst at £2260 and the two other heifers from Mr Thompson's Affetside herd sold at £1680 and £1590 to Andy Collinge, Stonyhurst. 

 

Reserve Champion came from Colin Singleton, Whitechapel, this heifer was also claimed by David Coulthurst at £1900.  A strong team from Frankland Farms saw them taking 1^st and 2^nd prizes in the cow class and third in the heifer class.  The 1^st prize cow sold at £1900 to W Hesketh and Sons and their heifer sold to Tom Shuttleworth of Rylstone for £1780. 

Winner of the In-calf section was N Schofield of Newton in Bowland with a heifer due just into January selling at £1600 also to Tom Shuttleworth.  Other In-calf heifers sold to £1370 for A T Maude and £1260 for Alan Parker

The champion cow at Skipton Auction Mart's Christmas prime stock show of cast cows and ewes was presented by Stephen Hollings, Peckett Well.

His Limousin-cross was purchased for £796 (109p/kg) by show judge Neil Laidlaw, of Dawn Foods, Carnaby.
 
The first prize dairy cast cow and reserve champion was a Holstein from John Whittaker, Laneshawbridge. This headed the show prices at £1005 (102p/kg) when acquired by Kepak, Wakefield. Cull cows averaged 88.25p/kg.
 
Bobby Booth, Rossendale, adjudicated in the cull ewes, awarding the championship to Continental crosses from John Carlisle, Cracoe. They topped the class prices at £100 per head when sold to Ali Shan, of Yorkshire Halal Meat Supplies,
 
Phillip Sedgwick, Steeton, presented the first prize and reserve champion pen of Mules, which also sold to Yorkshire Halal Meat Supplies at £82.50/head.
 

The Strathbogie flock of the Innes family enjoyed a strong trade here at Carlisle a little earlier, with their best a 7000gns sale for a shearling by Millar's Outstanding out of a Milnbank Lyon King daughter. This one, in-lamb to 40,000gns sire Glenside Razzle Dazzle sold to the service sire's breeder John Forsyth, Glenside. Her dam is full sister to a ewe sold to Deveronvale for 5800gns in 2008.Then making 6000gns for the flock was another Outstanding daughter, this time out of a dam by Castlecairn Kung Foo Fighter. Selling in lamb to Mossknowe Pudsey, she is full sister to 9000gns sire Strathbogie Python which is in turn sire of 40,000gns Razzle Dazzle. She also headed back to Glenside.

At 3000gns was another Outstanding daughter, again out of a Castlecairn Kung Foo Fighter daughter. She was in lamb to Pudsey and sold to John Mellin for the Hull House flock.

And at 3100gns was another by Outstanding and this time out of a Craighead Hercules daughter. She went in lamb to Razzle Dazzle and was sold to Mr Howard.

Best of the sale for the Cowal flock of the Campbell family was a 2200gns bid for a Templand Outlaw daughter. She was out of a Tamnamoney Lynbrook daughter can carrying lambs to Kelso Pavarotti. Buying this one was Mr Graham. 

Here are a few more of the top prices from today's Black and White sale here at Carlisle.

Making the second top of the day at 11,500gns was Bridge End Denmire Alexander Smoothie. This is by Golden-Oals ST Alexander and out of Misty Springs Shottle Smoothie,a VG88 classified dam. Selling for 8500gns was Ravara Atlas Fancy 2, an ET bred daughter MD-Delight Durham Atlas out of Glaslough Charles Fancy, a Boulet Charles daughter which has an impressive show record behind her.Then making 7700gns was Denmire Ashlar Marie 136, an ET bred Morningview Ashlar daughter out of Denmire Goldwyn Marie 58, a Braedale Goldwyn daughter. This March-born heifer sold to Mr Brewster and is maternal sister to Denmire Masterpiece, a bull currently standing at Cogent.

Following that at 7300gns was Lillyhall Shottle Elegant 2 an ET bred Shottle daughter out of Ggb Best Elegant, an EX92 dam by Hidden-View Best. She has previously been first prize February-born calf at this year's Border and Lakeland calf show and a maternal sister sold for 7500gns at the Northern Lights sale earlier in the year.

At 5800gns was Riverdane Sanchez Lavisha, a Gen-MArk Stmatic Sanchez daughter out of Savage Leigh Lavisha a VG89 Jenny-Lou Mrshal Toystory daughter.

Selling for 5600gns was Wyndford BD Shottle Appletime, an ET bred Shottle daughter out of Ashleigh Amanda, an Ex94 Ja Bob Jordan Red daughter. This one was first and reserve champion at the Shropshire calf show earlier in the year and sold to Ben Yates.

At 5500gns was Bilsrow Sanchez Marie, a Gen Mark Stmatic Sanchez daughter out of Smiddiehill Shottle Marie, a VG87 dam. This one sold to Mr Caddy.

Then getting away at 5000gns was Holmland Man O Polly, a Long-Langs Oman Oman calf out of Alh Polly, a VG88 Hartline Titanic daughter. She is maternal sister to Holmland Goldwyn Pledge which sold for 12,000gns at the HUK Centenary sale last year.

A bid of 13,000gns is now leading the Black and White sale here at Carlisle, with this price paid by David Yates for Drointon Million Rosie, an England-Ammon Million daughter out of Ridgefield Shottle Rosie, a VG87 classified dam. This March-born heifer has a GTPI of +1963 and her dam was champion heifer in milk at the Great Yorkshire this year.Following that at 8000gns was a first choice calf from Berryholme Shottle Flo, this year's National All Breeds champion. The choice is for either a Gillette Jordan calf or a Crackholm Fever, with the Jordans due in January and the Fevers due in March. Shottle Flo is an Ex90 classified dam.

Best price of the day in the Black and White sale here at Carlisle is a 10,500gns bid for Washfold Bolton Sharon 2 from Metcalfe Farms. This July 2009-born heifer is by Sandy-Valley Bolton and out of Roevalley Goldwyn Chartreuse, a VG83 Goldwyn daughter. She has been interbreed calf champion at the North East All Breeds show in 2010 and has a brother at stud with Diamond genetics.

At 5200gns was Kellywell Talent Ambrosia, a Sandy-Valley Talent daughter out of Smiddiehill Toys Ambrosia, a Jenny-Lou Mrshl Toystory daughter. She went to John Jordan.

And then selling for 5300gns was Overside Hayden Mandy an ET bred daughter of Wa-Del Hayden out of Overside Lou Minnie, a Jenny Lou Marshall daughter. She went to Messrs Booth.

Keith Jamieson's offering from his Annan flock here at Carlisle sold to a peak of 11,000gns when Stephen Cobbold outbid Procters Farm for his second in the ring. This one is by Ettrick McCoist and out of a dam by Castlecairn Irn Bru. She sold in lamb to Ballynahone Rambo and is a daughter of a ewe already owned by Mr Cobbold.Then at 4000gns was another from the same home which also headed to Suffolk with Stephen Cobbold. This one is by Annan Limmy and out of a dam by Craighead Dynamite. She was in lamb to Ballynahone Rambo.

Making 2400gns was another Annan shearling, this time a Templand Outlaw daughter out of a dam by Knock Impulse. She was in-lamb to Rambo too and I believe heads to Wales after a telephone bid secured her.

Best from the Clinterty flock was a 1700gns bid for a Clinterty Las Vegas daughter out of a dam by Castlecairn Jack Daniels. She was in-lamb to Clinterty Rio and also heads to a new home in Wales.

Robbie Wilson has continued in the vein of his Suffolk trade of yesterday, taking a 13,000gns call for the best of his Milnbank shearlings. This one, lot 438, is by Millar's Outstanding and out of a dam by Eastfield Merlin. She sold in lamb to 40,000gns sire Glenside Razzle Dazzle and went to Alistair Gault, who appears to have been buying on behalf of Procters Farm.At 8500gns was another of Robbies, Lot 441, this is by Baltier Nijinsky and out of a dam by Humeston Juniper. She also carried lambs to Razzle Dazzle and sold to Mr Taylor.

Following that at 4000gns was yet another Milnbank, lot 443, this is a substitute lot and sold to David McKerrow, Fife.

The best so far for the Sportsmans flock of Charlie Boden is a 2000gns sale for a Hen Gapel daughter. She is out of a dam by Glenside Legacy and sold in lamb to Cowal Rob.

Sandy Lee's Fordafourie offering topped at 2000gns for a Garngour Nobleman daughter out of a dam by Cairness Kingdom. She was in lamb to Sportsmans Rooney and sold to Stephen Cobbold.

Even with the very harsh weather conditions, breeders travelled from all over Ireland to the in-lamb Texel sale at Omagh, with many Southern Breeders attending and making purchases. However it was John Foster and his Springhill Flock that stole the show.

Leading Prices. Top price was a Springhill Gimmer by Fairywater Olympian and in lamb to Cullion Prince she sold for £1800gns. A Springhill Magic daughter in lamb to Millcomb Powerhouse sold for £1500gns. John Watson sold a Dunvarren ewe sired by Rosehill Ozzie and in lamb to Millcomb Popstar fro £1400gns.

Springhill then had a Blackstown Nemo daughter in lamb to Blackstown Rocky sold for £1100gns There were a brace of ewes sold from £500gns to £650gns including daughters from Straiddarron Opal, Blackstown Milo, Dunvarren Icon and Springhill sires.

Ewe lambs peaked at £650gns for a Cullion Prince daughter while a Ballynahone Popeye daughter sold for £500gns. A Forkins Octillo daughter sold for £450, with many more ewe lambs selling for £300gns to £450gns with Springhill Perfection daughters highly sought after.

Top call at tonight's Twilight Texel sale here at Carlisle was a 3400gns bid for a shearling from the Loosebeare flock of the Quick family. This one is a Haddo Jogger daughter out of a dam by Douganhill Ferrari and sold carrying twins to Cennen Magnum. She went to H and H auctioneer Stuart Bell.Second best was a trio of 3000gns bids, with the first coming for the first in the ring from Robert Forsyth's Baltier entry. This one was by Kelso Ozone and out of a dam by Rascarrel Masterpiece, she was in lamb to Stonebridge Roebuck.Second to make this price was the first lot from Carolyn Hastings' Courthill flock. This was a Castleknowe Or Never daughter out of a dam by Glenside King II and in lamb to Hunting Cairn Opposition Look Out. The other to make this money was the second from the Courthill offering, an embryo bred daughter of Baltier Nailer out of a dam by King II. She was in-lamb to Claybury Powerpacker.Then at 2800gns was the second from Baltier, this was a Templand Oscar daughter out of a dam by Tophill Joe. She was carrying lambs to Hull House Rothchild.Making 2500gns was the best from John Mellin's Hull House flock, a Claybury Outlaw daughter out of a dam Castleknowe Matchmaker. She sold in lamb to Castlecairn Red Arrow.At 1800gns was another from Carolyn Hastings, a Callerton Nomad daughter out of a dam by Glenside King II sired dam and in lamb to Hunting Cairn Opposition Look Out.

Following on at 1500gns was one from Stuart Currie. This was a Procters Oswald daughter out of a dam by Mullan Magnificent. She was in-lamb to Beautry Panama.

And a trio then traded at 1300gns. First to go was one from Loosebeare, a Kingsland Lion daughter out of a dam by Clougher Judge and in lamb to Cennen Magnum. Second at this money was the best price for the Thacka flock of the Pyman family. This was a Haltcliffe sired shearling out of a dam by a Crossrake sire. She sold in-lamb to a Kelso tup.

The third and final call at this price was another from Stuart Currie's flock. This one is by Procters Oswald and out of a dam by Seisiog Lotto and in lamb to Beautry Panama.

Apologies for not getting any more prices to you until now, a few technical issues held things up a bit.

Anyway, now here's a full run down of the best prices from today's Suffolk sale. Leading the prices at 6000gns twice was Robbie Wilson.

First to make this money was a shearling ewe, FNV L149, this is by Strathbeg Stan the Man and out of a dam by Glenho Gurka which is ET sister to last year's Balmoral interbreed champion, she sold carrying a pair to Cairness Kaos. Buying this one was Mary Cornish, Devon.Second to go at this money was the only ewe lamb forward from Robbie, FNV N39. This one is by Glenhead Golden Phoenix and out of a Strathisla Kingsway daughter. She is ET sister to Strathisla Dead Lucky and he dam was sold for 8500gns last year. Having stood first at this year's Royal Highland Show she sold to Norman Robinson, Northern Ireland.Then making 5100gns was another from Robbie, a shearling by Strathisla Stoner and out of a dam by Glenhead the McCoy. She sold carrying triplets to Strathisla Sea Bird and is ET sister to last year's reserve champion at Shrewsbury. This one was bought by L F Dunn, Muir of Ord.Following that at 3600gns was yet another of the Strathisla shearlings, this time a Stan the Man daughter, FNV L15. She is out of a Kingsway daughter and sold with twins to Strathisla Speed and was bought by Ross Lawrence.A 3100gns bid saw Robbie re-invest some of his earlier takings in a ewe lamb from the Meikleson dispersal of the Benzie family. This was for Strathisla Sea Bird daughter DZA N15. Out of a dam by Cairness Warlord, she was reserve breed champion at this year's Turriff Show.

Selling at 2800gns was a Cairness Star Flyer-sired ewe from the Benzies. This one DZA K70 is out of a Muiresk Rainbow Quest-sired dam and sold in lamb to Strathisla Sea Bird. She was bought by an undisclosed buyer believed to be a high profile Aberdeenshire-based flock.

Making 2600gns was another shearling from Strathisla FNV L29, a Strathisla Schumacher daughter out of a dam by Kingsway and in lamb to Cairness Kaos and scanned carrying a pair. This one also went to Mr Dunn.

A pair then sold at 2400gns, with the first being a Strathisla ET bred shearling by Stan the Man and out of a dam by Kingsway. This one, FNV L101, was sold carrying a single to Speed and is ET sister to Sea Bird, Savoy, Bejing and Shadrach. This one went to Graeme Christie, Aberdeenshire.

The other at this price was a ewe lamb from the Meikleson dispersal. This was DZA N10, a Sea Bird daughter out of a dam by Glenhead Glint O Gold. She went to the Egglestone family, Leicestershire.

Then at 2100gns was FNV L153, again from Robbie's run. This one is a Lakeview Leeroy daughter out of a dam by Strathisla Schumacher and carrying twins to Strathisla Sea Bird. She went to Ashley Bothwell. After that was one at 2000gns, this was a Strathisla shearling by Leeroy and out of a Deveronside the Messiah daughter. Carrying a pair to Sea Bird, she goes back to Fordafourie Rio.

Selling for 1950gns was the last of the Meikleson ewe lambs, a March-born Strathisla Speed daughter daughter out of a Roseden Rock Star daughter. She sold to Gary Owen, Wales. Close behind at 1900gns was another of the Benzie's ewe lambs, a Sea Bird daughter out of a dam by Rock Star, she went to Mr Barnetson and Son.

It was back to the Strathisla shearlings for the first of two 1800gns calls, with this price paid for a Strathisla Speed daughter FNV L120. She is out of a dam by Bawnogue Blazing Star and is full sister to 10,000gns Strathisla Obama. Buying this one was Mr Dunn.

This one sold in-lamb with twins to Cairness Kaos. The  second transaction at this money came for another of the Benzies' ewe lambs, DZA N12, she is by Sea Bird and out of a dam by Cairness Ninety Nine. She was bought by Patrick Machray.

At 1600gns was yet another of the Strathisla shearlings, FNV L89, again by Speed this one is out of a dam by Strathisla Shirocco and sold in-lamb to Sea Bird with twins. This one headed home with Mr Dunn. Selling at 1550gns was another of the Meiklson shearlings, this time a Cairness Ninety Nine daughter out of a dam by Conveth Marci Marvellous. She was sold in-lamb to Sea Bird and was bought by Mr Warren.

Averages; Innfield 20 ewes £727.65, 26 shearlings £632.42, 13 ewe lambs £354.58; Meikleson 23 ewes £754.17, two shearling ewes £693, 22 ewe lambs £946.43; Strathisla 33 shearling ewes £1596.95, one ewe lamb £6300 (Harrison and Hetherington).

Pics to follow shortly........

Top call of the day so far in the Suffolks at Carlisle is a 3100gns call for a 2007-born Meikleson Impression daughter from the Innfield dispersal. This one, out of a dam by Strathisla Kingsway sold carrying twins to Limestone To-Tal and went to Mark Priestley for the Limestone flock, Northern Ireland.Second best so far is a 1300gns bid for a a 2005-born Stockton Gold Sovereign daughter. She is out of a Stockton Solid Gold-sired daughter and was again carrying to Tot-Tal, this time a single. At 1000gns was a Glenho Gurka daughter born in 2008. This is out of a dam by Strathisla Stomper and was in-lamb with twins to To-tal. I beleive she sold to Myfyr Evans.

Making 850gns was a 2005-born Stockton-bred ewe by Stockton Gold Bullion and out of a dam by Wells Extra Special. She was bought as a lamb from Stockton and carried a single to Tot-tal. And selling for 750gns was another Gurka daughter born in 2008. This one is out of a Kingsway-sired dam and sold with a pair inside her, again to To-tal.

More to follow......

Well, its all systems go here in Carlisle for the Suffolk "Sale of the Century" which includes the dispersal of Bryden Nicholson's Innfield flock, the dispersal of the Meikleson flock for the Benzie family and the annual production sale from Robbie Wilson's Strathisla flock.

I'll be bringing you live updates from the ringside throughout the sale, so stay tuned for more news in due course......

A quick public service announcement from Taking Stock.

All sales scheduled for Carlisle this weekend, including tomorrow's Suffolk sale, tomorrow's and Saturday's Texel sales and Saturday's Black and White sale ARE on.

However, the Texel sale scheduled for Blessington, Eire, on Saturday has I understand been postponed due to adverse weather, this one will now take place on 18 December.

That's all I know about at the moment, but if anyone else has sale news then please email me and I'll endeavour to publicise the details of any changes or postponements. Happy bidding!

Greenslade Taylor Hunt's dispersal of C G and W M Pope's commercial dairy herd at Sedgemoor Auction Centre drew a small but determined crowd to witness a days top price of 1800gns for the October calved heifer by Stourvale Fernando.  Of the four lots to sell for 1750gns, three were cross bred Monbeliarde Cows, all in their third lactations having given close to or more than 10,000kgs last time and all by the Osmium sire. 

Offlying in-calf heifers sold to 1000gns for another Fernando daughter and bulling heifers sold to 710gns. 

The day started with the selling of the dairy equipment which potential purchasers had viewed on farm prior to the sell and met a strong demand with interest from Cornwall to Ireland.

The major items included 20:20 Westfalia Direct to Line Herringbone Parlor £5000, Dari-Kool 10,000 Litre DX Bulk Milk Tank £9000, Dairy Master Automatic Scrapers £1000, Cubicle Divisons £26 each, Cubicle Matts £22 each.

Averages: cows £1080, served heifers £800, maiden heifers £600 (Greenslade Taylor Hunt).

A grand show of cattle at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair met a firm level of demand with prize cards sought after.  But more important than this were the demand and prices being paid for some sound beef cattle. Most cattle, no matter the weight, made from 190 pence a kilo to 270 pence a kilo with all of the steers averaging 201 pence a kilo and all of the heifers 289.5 pence a kilo.

 

The champion beast the Limousin heifer Poker Face from the Alford family, Devon, which weighed 664 kg made £6000 being purchased by the Big Red Cow Meat Co. Ltd., Minehead, Somerset.

 

The reserve champion Cheeky Girl came from Dylan Hughes and weighed 602 kg and made £3500, being purchased by Alan Davies, Berriew, Welshpool.

 

Although a limited entry in the baby beef section, there was a flying trade with a good strong demand for all types and a top price of £3200 achieved for a genuine steer calf from Messrs D S and C M Edwards with Dyffryn Mr Muscle, which was sired by a Limousin bull out of a British Blue X cow and made £10.53/kg while another steer in the Young Farmers Classes shown by Miss Morgan made £2400 and £8.00/kg. A heifer from D S  and D A Brute made £1900 (£8.40/kg).

 

The majority forward were sold, which numbered 31 cattle to average an incredible 406 pence a kilo on the steers (£1375 a head) and 415 pence a kilo on the heifers (£1200 a head). It was a pleasure to offer such a quality show of young cattle from both the YFC and farmers and we look forward to next year's show.

 

Other prices paid for winning champions were £1364.16  (232p/kg) for the 588kg champion steer from G R Fountaine and to R Rattray Bucthers, Dyfed. For reserve steer from Emily Jones, Ceredigion this 582kg British Blonde made £1594.68 (274p/kg) also to Rattray Butchers.

                       

Welsh Black cattle also met a good demand with the breed champion from Derek and Lynn Davies, Aberystwyth selling for £1450.40 (280 p/kg) to William Lloyd Williams, Machynlleth.

 

A tremendous show of sheep in all sections sold to a large crowd of buyers for McCartneys' first year as auctioneers. The highlight of the proceedings was the sale of the reserve supreme champion lambs being Beltex X ewe lambs (47.5 kg) from Dafydd Lewis of Pentwyn, Carmarthen selling to £2520 (£53.05 p/kg) each going to Michael Owens, Glantre. The supreme champion Beltex ewe lambs (51 kg) were from S J Smith, Penbryn, Welshpool sold for £400 (£7.84 p/kg).

 

Overall trade was much better than previous years on all breeds selling to an overall average of 223.92 p/kg.

 

Pig trade also achieved good prices with top price a £195 bid for a 83.5 kg pure bred Large White (£2.33 pence per kilo). The buyer was Messrs Walls Butchers of Craven Arms, Ludlow, Shropshire. Messrs Quarry Farm Shop, Leominster, Herefordshire purchased the First Prize pair of pigs weighing 58.5 kg and realising £150 each (£2.56 pence per kilo).

 

SUPREME CATTLE

A black Limousin cross heifer, Poker Face from  Michael, Melanie and Charlotte Alford secured the supreme cattle title at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair yesterday.

This one is by the Limousin sire Attila out of a British Blue cross Limousin cow. Bred by Christopher Dick, Stirling, the January 2009-born 664kg heifer was bought for £1400 as a nine-month-old and last year scooped the baby beef championship at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair.

Taking the reserve overall title was Cheeky Girl, a British Blue x Limousin heifer from Dylan and Yvonne Hughes, Corwen, Denbighshire, bought at Ruthin Show in February for £2400. This one was bred by the Williams family of Nant-y-geifr Farm, Llanidloes, Powys

During fierce bidding at the show sale, Poker Face went under the hammer for £6000, bought by last year's judge, Simon David, of Minehead. 602kg Cheeky Girl netted the Hughes' £3500 with Alan Davies of Berriew, Montgomeryshire, the buyer.

BABY BEEF

In baby beef section G and E Jones, of Holyhead took the honours with the home-bred British Blue x Limousin, Misty Manners.

 Reserve champion was D S and C M Edwards, Conwy, with Dyffryn Mr Muscle, a Limousin x British Blue, again home-bred.

SHEEP

A pair of February-born Dutch Texel lambs from Steve Smith, Welshpool and bred by Andrew Bishop secured the overall sheep championship.

In reserve was a pair of Beltex crosses from young Carmarthenshire exhibitor, Dafydd Lewis. The winning lambs, with a combined weight of 101kg, were auctioned for £400 to Denley Jenkins, while the reserve winners sold for £2520 apiece, sold to judge Michael Owen.

Champion honours at the Aberdeen Christmas Classic at the Thainstone Centre went to Limousin cross heifer Pussy Cat Doll from Bert and Patsy Paton, their daughter, Wendy, and her husband, Stuart Hunter.

This one, weighing in at 544kg, was bought at the Thainstone Spectacular in September for £4200 from Simon and Sue Stephen. She had previously been reserve lightweight heifer at last week's Royal Highland Winter Fair and sold for £4600 to Donald Russell Butchers.

Reserve honours also went to the Paton family with Limousin cross steer Zing Zilla. This 624kg entry is by Middledale Toronto.  He was bred by Ian Wilson and sold to James Allan, of Falkirk-based butcher Malcolm Allan and Son for £2200.

In the event's sheep section the championship went to Calum Angus and his wife, Vivienne, with a pair or near pure Beltex lambs. These sold to Scotch Premier Meat for £130/head.

Reserve sheep champions were a pair of Beltex crosses from Angus Greenlaw. These were bought at £110 by Forbes Raeburn and Son, Huntly.